Tree Removal With Responsibility: How Urban Arborists Offset Impact With Native Reforestation

As of 6 August 2025, we’ve funded the planting of 480 native trees

At Urban Arborists, we know that tree removal always has consequences. Whether it’s a diseased pine threatening your home or a tree cleared for new development, removing it takes something away — from the landscape, from biodiversity, and from future generations.

That’s why we run “Take a Tree – Give a Tree”, a native replanting initiative designed to offset the loss and restore ecological balance.

As of 6 August 2025, we’ve funded the planting of 480 native trees through this programme, and we’re committed to growing that number with every job we do.

About The Native Reforestation Programme

Every time we remove a tree, we fund the planting of a native one in its place - not on the same site, but within New Zealand’s growing network of reforestation projects. The planting is handled by our partners at My Native Forest, a team focused on restoring biodiversity on retired farmland and other degraded landscapes.

One of the key planting sites is Purau Woodland, where over 70,000 native trees are being re-established across more than 30 hectares. Once mature, this forest is expected to absorb over 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Why It Matters

We don’t pretend that cutting down trees is good. But sometimes it’s necessary - for safety, for infrastructure, or to remove invasive species that are damaging native habitats. “Take a Tree – Give a Tree” is our way of making sure those removals don’t come at the long-term expense of Aotearoa’s ecosystems.

And in many cases, the trees we help plant are actually more beneficial to the environment than what was removed. For example, replacing a mature pine with a kōwhai or mānuka means better support for native birds, insects, and soil health.

This isn’t about ticking a sustainability box. It’s about ensuring the work we do today doesn’t rob New Zealand of its natural future.

Our clients back the initiative because it reflects what they expect from us: accountability, quality, and care that goes beyond the brief.

Arborists, Luka and Keiran, at Mission Bay, Auckland.

At Urban Arborists, we’re guided by a strong work ethic and a clear moral compass. We show up, do the job properly, and take responsibility for the impact we leave behind, not just for our clients, but for our country. That’s why we created “Take a Tree – Give a Tree.” It’s not a gimmick. It’s just the right thing to do.

When clients choose us, they know they’re working with a team that values more than just the bottom line. The cost of replanting is fully covered by us, meaning every job contributes directly to restoring New Zealand’s native ecosystems.

“It’s rewarding to know that we’re helping rebuild ecosystems on land that was previously used for logging or farming. We’ve funded close to 500 trees and cannot wait to visit Purau Woodland to see our impact in the flesh.” — Jed Copsey, Director of Urban Arborists

Need a Tree Removed? Let’s Do It Right

If you’re facing a tree removal, we’ll handle it safely and responsibly - and we’ll make sure something is planted in return. With Urban Arborists, every removal helps fund the regeneration of native forests across Aotearoa.

Request a Free Quote or read about tree removal costs in New Zealand.